Yay for the Weekend!

Thank You to Pop Pop, Mima, Aunt Lea Lea, Uncle Shane, and Great Grandma Phyllis for all the wonderful gifts for Adrian! We are so stocked up on clothing, bath towels, receiving blankets, washcloths, and adorable outfits!!! Baby Adrian will be better dressed than Barry and myself...he has his 1st Levi's outfit, Calvin Klein outfit, lots of cute camo, and even a Von Dutch outfit.

So I guess I haven't updated in awhile....I got a call back from the doc...I do not have gestational diabetes! I knew I didn't but in order to appease my doctor's mind and in the end to be able to use this test as evidence that I do not need a c-section should they attempt that cruel trick, I decided to get it done.

We took the dogs for a walk yesterday to the field and pond by our house. They were so stinky from rolling in the marshland and chewing on dead crayfish. Gross! They got baths when we got home. Yes...7 months pregnant and I'm the one bathing the dogs in the bathtub...go figure. Barry didn't think they were stinky enough to get baths....I think he needs nose surgery to smell better. Sasha is doing great with potty training since we've decided to use the crate to train her. No accidents in 2 days and we only started 2 days and 1 night ago....so yay for Sasha! She and Harley are doing great together...except that Harley still gets a little jealous and will eat the food in 'her' bowl so she can't have it. He'll leave 'his' bowl full tho...duh...Sasha doesn't care which bowl she eats out of. Harley will just have to get over it. He can't get rid of her by starving her.

My cousin Melissa's bday was friday..we're going to my aunt's for dinner tonight. Christie's cutting my hair...and B's maybe?

On friday night, Julie, Christie, Rachel, and I went out to the Eagles hockey game for a girl's night out! Julie ordered pizza and made cookies and salad! The Eagles won 7:3 BUT there were no freakin' fights! How is it a hockey game without a fight? The Ohio team was so out of energy I'm assuming due to the altitude that they pretty much beat themselves bloody on there own...every period at least 2 players had to be carried from the ice. I guess it would have been unfair to fight them. Even though there were no good fights, we were surrounded by babies which totally distracted us all from the game...I seriously missed 3 of the goals because I was watching the babies. Don't laugh at me...they were extremely cute and you would have missed the game too if you saw the itty bitties yawning and blinking and crying because of the noise. Adrian had fun and FINALLY kicked for Christie. He kicked Rachel too.

I've realized just how much Adrian likes music! Whenever it's loud enough he starts dancing! Also when I play back the recordings of me taping him on the computer he always gets moving! I think it's my voice that he hears but not from me...so it sounds different...maybe less muffled.

Can You Spot All Five of Our Pets?

4 Days Into the Third Trimester....

Yum! I just had some eggs, homemade black beans and ham, and brown rice for breakfast. That hit the spot! And Java Chai too!

In regards to Leanne's question: Sasha puppy is (as far as we know) a black lab and australian cattle dog mix (Harley is only cattle dog), but she has a curly tail and we think she is more muttish than that. She and Harley are getting along great...they play tug of war, chase and wrestle, attack the cats, and even sleep together. Right now they are wrestling under my chair as I type. Sahsa is not afraid of Harley and will steal a bone right from under his nose even if it's too big to carry away. She and Harley can be heard pretend growling while they play keep away with the rope or wrestle. I'm glad our plan to occupy Harley is working out...by the time the baby comes, she should be potty trained and also know more house rules. She is doing great with 'sit', 'down', and 'come'. Also 'NO' and 'UhUh' seem to work....where she runs over to us and sits...knowing full well that eating cat turds is gonna get a 'No' every time and if she sits she might just get a treat. She's a people pleaser. She is also getting some meat on her bones...she was sick and not eating before we got her so we're glad she's healthy and filling out now.

YAY! Thank you Ronnie for the awesome clothes and baby products! I can't believe how cute and stylin' little Adrian is going to be. I hope he grows nice and slow so that he can fit into all of his clothes for a long time. He's such a spoiled and loved little boy and he's not even here yet. It's like christmas around here...every day I come home, there's a package on the doorstep. I love it! It makes waiting for baby much easier and gives me lots to organize. I've already set up a baby station in our room...sorting through everything we have to see what we'll need for the first month before we move. I so wish I had a nursery to set up already.
***FYI: I don't need that many baby clothes (unless they are super cute)! One family passed down 4 boxes of clothes from 0-18 months. Another two families are handing down boxes of clothes to me as well. I know Adrian will go through about 3 outfits a day but still....I have so much stuff. I love looking through it all over and over again too. Also...check out the registries at target.com, amazon.com, and walmart.com for stuff that we don't have yet (if you're wondering).

Baby Adrian has been so active....scaring me into thinking he's going to pop through my belly and waking me with jabs to the hip and side! When he really gets going, like last night, I could feel feet kicking my side and knees jutting at my tummy, while hands were jabbing the other side of my stomach and his head rolled back and forth, all at the same time! Do you think he wants out yet?

Now that we're into the third trimester, it's only a matter of 12 weeks. However if he came in 9 weeks, he still wouldn't be considered premature. I hope he doesn't but then again, he'd be smaller and with everyone taunting me that he's gonna be huge, I'm just a little nervous. I can't wait to meet him!!!! Neither can Barry...I may never tire of feeling him move around...but Barry's at the 'been there done that' stage...He really looks forward to holding his sleeping baby on his chest and just meeting him in general!

Yesterday I had a doctor's appointment to do the glucose tolerance test...the starvation one where I couldn't eat from midnight till noon. I ended up talking to the doctor first about it. I wasn't going to do it but she convinced me when she said that I wouldn't feel any other symptoms since increased thirst and urination are already side effects of pregnancy. The negative effect on the baby could make him grow larger and therefore increase the risk of a c-section...which I absolutely do not want! She said she suspects it will come back normal and not to worry but as a preventive measure she'd like to make sure. So I hung out from nine till noon at the doctor's office...I had my blood drawn 4 times and didn't get to eat till noon. I was starving and dizzy but now it's over and she said she won't make me do that test again. She said she feels bad that I've had the bad end of the stick with testing so far. Seriously....I don't even like doctors or trust my life or health with the current medical field...and this isn't helping. My blood pressure was so high yesterday because I was stressed about the stupid test...usually I have really low bp. Also, I've gained 20lbs so far...can you tell??? Hahaha...Barry says I'm fat....he's so funny. I think I'm two lbs over what 'the chart' says I should be at...my cousins laugh at me and say I'm going to have a textbook baby...since I read so much and refer to the literature so often.

Which reminds me...

I just read this book called "Into the Minds of Babes: How Screen Time Affects Children From Birth to Age Five." Very interesting. It is a summary of a collection of studies and interviews by an interested parent on screen time and what research has been done on TV and other media and children. Very easy read with lots of author input. I thought the research might say that all TV is detrimental but it actually provides some positive findings for TV and children. Of course it depends on what the child is watching. She focuses on Content, Context, and Your Child. There is still lots of research to be done but what is out there is very concisely categorized in this book under chapters labeled as the most common questions that the author and parents she interviewed would ask regarding TV and their child. Lisa Guernsey is the author. I highly recommend it especially since it is so research based but not as though you are reading the actually scientific wording of the studies which can be tedious.

Big Belly

So I think I might cancel that glucose tolerance test since I fall within normal range 130-140 depending on your doctor's office (obviously mine has a cutoff at 130 since I scored 135). I'm going to ask the doctor how necessary it is since I am eating healthy and getting off my butt every day even if I don't outright go for walks daily. I consider chasing toddlers/preschoolers and carrying infants light exercise, as well as chasing my dogs around and cleaning my house...like serious mopping, vacuuming, sweeping, and reorganizing...not just dusting and wiping down tables and doing dishes or making dinner. I'm on my feet constantly moving. And sometimes I even take a walk with my cousin and the dogs and cat. I still eat healthy...healthier than most people I know even. I eat tons of fruit, cheese, whole grains, not too much meat, milk, yogurt, and vegies. I know I eat chocolate daily but I only eat an oz or 2 since more is not too healthy and I only buy dark chocolate. I haven't had any coffee in the last week either. Anyways, considering the risk factors, ...I eat healthy and get exercise, I'm younger than 25, not overweight, and the baby wasn't too heavy last ultrasound. The only risk factor I have is that my grandfather has type 2 diabetes. AND the first thing they would do is modify my diet and exercise...so I should just walk/swim more and eat less chocolate...which I should do anyway.

So I had a yucky cough and sore throat since the past weekend...I think it's practically gone now. A week isn't too bad for a cold so yay!!! Only the 2nd time I've been sick this winter!!! YAY!!

Valentine's Day was Barry and my 4th year engagement anniversary!!! He took me to the Butterfly Pavilion and got down on his knee and asked me!! It was so sweet! This Valentine's I set up a heart treasure hunt...I wrote 50 reasons (I ran out of construction paper) why I love him on red and pink hearts and taped them around the house. He found all but 2. He got me a dozen roses and chocolates and almond roca and wrote me a really sweet card.

<---How Is This Fair? Poor Harley Dog banished to the small bed by a little runt of a pup! I gave Harley and Sasha baths today...Harley was so mad at me that he wouldn't touch his rawhide and just stood there staring at it for about 1/2 an hour. I'm so mean...I wouldn't even let him go outside after he was clean and blow-dried since I knew he would roll in the mud as usual. He was so mad at me....

85 Days Left...

My coworkers held a baby shower for us this past weekend!!! It was awesome! I got tons of cute clothes and baby bath stuff and some toys, a homemade lullaby cd. We got to paint little onesies and then Heather and I split them between us for our little boys!

I looked back on a video clip I have from a couple months ago and I thought I was huge then...but now I'm even bigger and I guess I'm just going to keep growing....It's a little weird looking back..it changes my perception a little. Doesn't make me feel any smaller though. I feel stretched lately.


Last night Adrian was active the ENTIRE night. I was woken up multiple times and a couple of times when he kicked or elbowed me it surprised me so much I woke up and yelled. I hope I didn't scare him...I guess not since he didn't stop. It's such a weird feeling. Sometimes it feels like a big bug crawling across my skin, sometimes he rubs me with his elbow, sometimes he juts his foot out one side and then his arms out the other side as if stretching, and sometimes he does waves with his entire body... my stomach was jiggling.


Today I subbed in the toddler classroom. The toddlers are so cute...'where is your baby?' they ask. One toddler rubbed my chest and informed me 'this is where you feed your baby.' And always, lifting my shirt, 'i want to see your baby'. The preschoolers informed me that my turtle tattoo on my belly button has no shell....

What On Earth??????

You may wonder what on earth I might be thinking but I don't think I really had a say in this matter....Barry came home tonight and knocked on the door and when I looked out the window there was a puppy looking back at me. (He said it's a non-refundable puppy too so even if I wanted to...I guess I'm just stuck with her.) If anyone asks...it's a good distraction and playmate for Harley so he won't be as jealous when the baby comes.

Here is a picture of the puppy we almost got to keep:

Better Day

So...today has been 100 times better! I got two calls last night about work...so now my schedule is full for the week...and weekend. Actually I got another call today but was already booked. I feel better about work.
I still miss my puppy...but now that I was so sad...I have a feeling Barry is going to just bring home another one...he said he has somewhere to go today before he comes home. Should I be worried?
I came home and my cousin dropped her beagle Ringo off to play with Harley. The trash was strewn across the kitchen and living room and I found 3 pee puddles. (No...my dog has never peed in the house since I had him potty trained within a couple weeks.) Naughty Ringo doggy! I hope they had fun terrorizing my house...at least someone remembered to close off the bedroom/office/bathroom door. Now they are sleeping by my feet...suggesting to me that maybe this is all they did all day and it was the cats that made the mess. They'd like me to think that....


Here are the Results to the last poll: Thanks everyone for voting...we've taken into consideration your votes and chosen Adrian. Actually we just both really liked it....hahaha.

Adrian
4 (36%)
Angelo
0 (0%)
Salvanno
0 (0%)
Salvanni
0 (0%)
Caspar
2 (18%)
Caelan
0 (0%)
Caine
2 (18%)
Cainan
0 (0%)
Jonas
1 (9%)
Giovanni
2 (18%)


So we went to our friends new house (where we got the puppy) and they are going to have a baby in May also. I have 3 girlfriends in CO who are all due in May and are all having boys. Then I know two other girls in CO due before and after May, one who is definitely having a boy. Did you know that in times of war, more boys than girls are born? And in general, about 105 boys to every 100 girls are born?

Bad Day

Some days just suck! Today is one of them. First Barry made me take back my puppy. Our friends dogs had puppies and the little girl puppy was so cute we couldn't resist trying her out overnight and thinking about keeping her as a playmate for Harley....but I really ended up liking her. Barry called and said that the part of her that is pitbull might deter parents if I opened a home daycare. He's right. I'm so sad. And it's sad that pitbulls have such a negative stereotype. (Not that I would let my dogs around children if I had a daycare anyway...unless it was ok with the parents and I was present and watching them interact. Dogs are unpredictable.) There are more dog bites by german shepards and golden retrievers than pitbulls. She was also boxer/black lab. Very cute. I cried when I had to take her back.
I need a job...I have so many jobs but I'm not working enough. You'd think that with four jobs I could at least pull off an easy 40 hr week. But no...
The second ultrasound that we had...I made very clear to my doc that I couldn't afford it unless they accepted my insurance. Of course they DON'T! and I find out afterwards....after talking to five different people in three different offices. No one told me anything beforehand..YES I called and asked. HELLO! No one has a clue what's going on. Just because I'm poor doesn't mean I'm stupid and just because I'm not a doctor doesn't mean you know more about me than I know about myself. BACK OFF! Don't worry I left a message for my doctor and I talked to the nurse. (Like they say...it's easier to ask forgiveness than it is permission...how this is legal I don't know.)
And my day could only get worse when.....the nurse calls me to inform me that I've failed my glucose tolerance test ( supposed to be 130 but I got 135) and now I have to starve myself...drive myself dizzy and delirious (and starved) to the doctor's office...have my blood drawn...drink lots of soda (real healthy)...wait an hour.....and get my blood drawn...wait an hour...get my blood drawn...wait another hour...get blood drawn again if I have any left....and then drive home malnourished and bloodless. I'll be surprised if I don't faint while waiting for my appointment.
Don't call me...I'm not answering my phone...I can't take any more bad news for this day.

Such a rolly polly sqirmy worm today! I got a recording of his heartbeat at the docs today!Had to have the glucose tolerance test: drank some soda, waited around an hour, and had my blood drawn...it tests for gestational diabetes. I'll find out if I passed tomorrow or friday. Hopefully I did since I don't want to do the fasting test...(not eat for 12 hours??!!! Are you kidding??? and then have blood drawn every hour for 3 hours???!!!!)
And he actually performed for the camera tonight and I got a couple clips of him squirming. Finally. Barry read him some stories too which he liked.
YAY! Sarah and Karen at work are throwing a baby shower for Heather and me. The invitations are soooo cutes! I'm excited! Barry just read it..."Two Little boys..." and got confused. Thought I wasn't telling him something...haha...Heather's having a boy too.

Only 101 Days Left....

Baby Adrian had hiccups this morning for 10 MINUTES!! OMG! They usually only last a minute. He was very rolly-polly this morning too...I can tell which way he faces and where his arms, knees, head or butt are, especially when he's kicking/tickling me in the hip or rubbing his head. Very weird how close he feels but how he's still driving us crazy waiting for him!

I had a dream I was flying with an eagle...I landed on top of a mountain...my dad came to pick me up in my red subaru and dropped me off at a bus station...he gave me a box but it was empty all but 2 other empty shoeboxes inside...I rode the bus alone and he picked me up at the station...then we went to a hippy festival and met Deborah (my stepmom) there...Then I woke up. Another dream I had was in a mall with Julie (my cousin) and we were tasting samples of cheesecake and icecream! YUMMY! I think I was just hungry because Julie called me and woke me up from that dream and I was definitely hungry.

Yesterday Barry and I went to visit my grandparents...of course they live in town but we never make time to see them. That was fun and relaxing!

25 Weeks and still growing....

I was reading up on what to expect during the rest of the pregnancy...and I noticed a discrepancy. One of the books states that weeks 26, 27, 28, 29 are Month 7, while another states that month 7 doesn't start until week 28 and through 31. ANYWAY...I guess it doesn't really matter. It all ends up being 40 weeks-ish. Today marks the end of 25 weeks! The baby's lungs are developing more and he's growing bigger (and stronger).

My bladder is growing more and more cramped...I seriously don't know if I'll last another 15 weeks at this rate!

It's been harder to fall sleep also (let alone stay asleep with my small bladder)...with Barry snoring and the baby kicking more consistently throughout the entire night. I love to hold him and guess where he's laying and which body part is wiggling, pinching, poking, or violently trying to escape through my belly...so of course I stay up distracted and trying to predict what he's doing. Like everyone says though...it's practice...haha...you didn't know I ordered a 'sleep throught the night' baby, did you? I've heard of parents waking their baby up at night when they slept through the night early on, since it was so unexpected....how silly are they?

We read to the baby at night now...we have a microphone and speakers (Thanks Ronnie!) and he loves it (judging by the spike in activity level). Maybe it's just too loud and he's trying to knock the speakers off my belly and go back to sleep...lol. Barry likes to read Dr. Seauss!

I subbed today in 1st/2nd grade! I love teaching. I miss the routine and children on a daily basis. One kid told me today that she hopes my baby doesn't turn evil and come out crazy and always hyper...I totally agreed with her. Another said that she hopes that if he ever has little sisters that he would be a wonderful big brother (she is a little sister and admires her brother, a year older than her). I love those kids!

So here is a week 24 picture:

2nd Ultrasound

We went for the 2nd ultrasound today. Barry got off of work early and met me there. Everything looks wonderful!!! He's the right size for 25 weeks and the cysts they saw on his brain last time have disappeared!!!!!!! The doctor said that everything looks like it's developing normally and he weighs in at 1 lb 1 oz!!!!!

He is pretty cute...perfect looking really. Barry said he thought he caught a glimpse of some big ears and he definitely has some big old feet (Barry's a size 13). I just hope he fits into the cute little newborn clothes when he's born. When the doc was checking to see if he was still a boy.....he said "yep he's a boy. His hands are down there." Pretty funny.

So here are the pics we got.

I can't believe how much stuff we've already accumulated! What's even crazier is how much more stuff we still need. It's fun looking at all the stuff out there...but it can be overwhelming. People have been really awesome to us and given us tons of hand-me-downs!!! I'm so excited.

The Diaper Situation
I found out there is a diaper service in town. This is exciting! I don't know if I'll stick with cloth diapers only or use both. Either way...at least I have a choice. I'd like to use cloth as much as possible. I'm not even scared of just washing them myself but if I use a diaper service than they provide the diapers and wash them!

I was going to work today but both of my families called and canceled on me :( I was hoping to be able to keep my mind off of tomorrow but no such luck. I know everything will be just fine but still I'm nervous.

OH! I figured out how to use this microphone we have that has speakers you put on your belly so you can read or talk or sing to your baby...and it worked. 'Adrian' as we call him, woke up and started kicking and poking at the little speakers. I put the phone to the microphone when I was talking to my cousin and she said 'Kick your mommy' and he kicked me immediately. He's very smart!

Registry Update

So for my own sanity I am going to categorize what and where I've registered. So far it looks like the colors are blue and green and cream/white and cherry wood. I like the turtle theme but have only found a couple of bathtime things that are turtley! I don't really need a theme though. Maybe I'll find a nice picture of real life sea turtles or something to hang up. Other than that I don't want it overwhelmingly cutesy fake baby turtle things...a few turtles here and there is cute.

TARGET

Feeding/Nursing

• bibs
• Medela pump car adapter
• striped boppy cover
• playtex bottle drop-ins
• stool

Furniture

• baby bouncy bouncer ball (the exercise ball works magic putting kids to sleep)
• hangers

Clothing/Sleep/Blanket

• Splish Splash (turtle) robe, towel, cloths, etc...
• Yankees outfit
• blankies
• onesies
• cow slippers
• swaddlers and sleepsack

Diapering/Clean-up

• disposable diapers
• towels/spitcloths/burp cloths/recieving blankets
• burt's bees baby line/aveeno/AD&D
• disposable wipes

Safety/Health

• house safety doodads

Toys/Discovery

• puzzles

WALMART

Furniture

• 3-in-1 crib
• dresser
• changing table/shelves
• **(won't let me register: square wicker baskets for shelves: cherry with white muslin liners also cherry wicker laundry basket with white muslin liner)
• rocking chair
• crib mattress pad and sheets
• changing table cover

Diapering/Clean-up

• cloth diapers (Kushies) and inserts and disposable inserts
• washcloths (instead of regularly using wipes)
• diaper pail
• wipe/washcloth warmer

Clothing/Sleep/Blankets

• swaddle blankets-blue cotton and white fleece

Travel:

• 3-in-1 carseat for my car
• 2 seat protectors
• stroller
• graco stroller starter kit
• graco diaper bag brown for me
• and jeep diaper bag with ipod speakers for barry

Feeding/Nursing

• playtex bottle starter sets
• nursing pillow
• bottle/food warmer
• spacesaver high chair

Safety/Health

• safety/grooming kit
• monitor
• 3 in 1 thermometer

Toys/Discovery

• CD/Tape Player

AMAZON.COM

Toys/Discovery

• books
• toys
• cute turtle light thing

Diapering

• cloth diapers

ONCE UPON A CHILD

• Gift Cards!

ALREADY HAVE

Clothing

• Giants outfit newborn
• Harley Davidson Outfit 18mon
• 2 Winter snuggly body suits
• 0-3 month -1 box of Clothes
• 3-6 month -1 box of clothes
• 6-12 month -1 box of clothes
• 12-24 month-1 bag of clothes

Furniture

• Graco Johnny Jump Up Bouncer
• Rocking Infant Bed/bassinet
• (bouncer seat)
• (Side to side/front back swing)

Travel

• Evenflo Snugli Back/Front Pack
• Car window shade
• Infantino sling
• (Baby Bjorn Front Pack)
• (Infant Carseat for Barry's car)

Toys/Discovery

• Melissa and Doug Instruments
• Melissa and Doug Blocks
• Remo Finger Drum
• Various Toys...
• 100+ Children's Books...Scholastic Orders!
• Raffi Baby Beluga CD
• White Noise Maker!
• Fish Crib Music Entertainment
• Baby Einstien (Bach/Beethovan/Mozart) Mobile
• (Floor Mat with hanging toys (red/black))

Bathing

• Baby Bathtub
• 1 baby towel

Feeding

• Medela Pump
• Medela storage bottles and baggies
• Baby spoons/forks
• Boppy Pillow with cover
• 4 receiving blankets

It's A Good Thing Barry Never Reads This Blog

So Barry admitted to me this morning that perhaps its not me that is the grumpy morning person (at least all the time). He said it might just be him but when he takes it out on the guys at work, they don't cry about it. LOL! I'd just like to put this in writing for the next time we encounter morning grumpiness and I end up crying.

There are all these wonderful sales at Once Upon A Child and Harmony Kids going on and I feel like I shouldn't be getting stuff yet . Really I don't know what I'll need or want...but the sales are now...oh..what to do!?!

<---------Does this photo not look like Dewey (Erik per Sullivan) from Malcom in the Middle? Believe it or not: Barry, aged 7.

The 'real Dewey'--->

Looks like the house deal is going to end working out after all!!! And still close to what we can afford. It is well worth it...and eventually we may be able to buy it! Did I mention that the backyard opens to a greenbelt? It will be available at the end of May/beginning of June. I wonder how moving with a 1-month old will go?

I made meatballs last night but sure didn't stay in ball shape...I have no idea what I did wrong...maybe too much tomato paste. Tasty nonetheless.

Julie and I saw the PS, I Love You matinee yesterday. Very sad but also funny and cute.

Still looking for more work to fill up my schedule...Working about 20 hours a week right now doing odds and ends as usual: babysitting for regular families, Subbing in the district, and Subbing at the daycare. I like the variety however I wish it consumed 20 hours more a week. Maybe when we move, I'll be able to open up an in-home childcare center! Something I've always imagined doing.

The weather has been bitter cold these days and doesn't look like it will let up anytime soon. It's snowing a little right now.

The ultrasound is scheduled for Tuesday at 2:00p. I'm getting more nervous as the time gets closer. I still think everything will turn out just fine though. He was soooo active all night last night. I think he actually woke me up the other night but I was still half asleep and dreaming that he was blowing bubbles: I could see little bubbles against my skin in snowflake patterns. This week he is a foot long and a little over a pound. He and I play a game called poke: he pokes me then I poke him back and then he responds by moving to another spot and poking. Sometimes he rubs, or just touches, or presses, sometimes he flips, or tries to trick me by kicking one side and then pushing on the opposite, sometimes it feels like he has five legs kicking me all at once. Sometimes he responds/wakes up when I call him and lay really still. I think he knows when I hold my stomach because he is more active. Barry's hands are heavier and he kicks less when Barry tries to feel him...he's a stinker already.

HAHA: Barry woke up last night beat-boxing and rapping in his sleep. Not so funny when I was awake every hour and having trouble falling back to sleep though.

Question for grandparent figures of Baby Biss: What do you want to be called? ie. Grandpa/ma, Papa, Mama, Nana, Nanny, Noni,...there are so many choices.

So here are the results of the name poll! Thanks for voting!

Adrian
5 (62%)
Anthony
0 (0%)
Caine
1 (12%)
Finnigan
3 (37%)
Gianni
0 (0%)
Giovanni
1 (12%)
Giacobbe
0 (0%)
Malakai
2 (25%)
Salvator/Salvador
0 (0%)

I'll put another one up since we've also changed our minds. Barry's into Adrian again...I still like it. He likes Sal and I like Giovanni: therefore what do you think about Salvanno or Salvanni??? I made that one up the other night.

I went to Once Upon A Child to get more pants since I'm growing out of most of the ones I own. We found a few more cute baby outfits too.

<----My Daddy Rides a Harley Shirt

and Patchwork Hippie Pants!

Here's an outfit that Barry found in his Christmas present under a HD sweatshirt from Aunt D and Uncle Mark! You should have seen his expression!

<---Born To Ride

Thanks Ronnie for this one!

<----Make Love Not War!

The house deal might not actually work out. It's not 100% as of now.

More bad news...my Uncle Mike died yesterday.

My grandma (mom's mom) from out east died. I'm so sad she'll never meet her grandbaby. She was excited to be a great-grandmother!
...................................

On an exciting note: We found a place to move to where we can fit a baby. Right now we live in 750 sq.ft. and barely fit the dog, three cats, ourselves and all our junk. I have no idea how we would be able to fit a baby. We don't even have a garage.
So I was babysitting and the couple mentioned that in June they are renting the place and want a family and definitely no students! It has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a den, a big kitchen with dining area, back yard with seperate garden area all set up with irrigation and rasberry bushes, a two car garage, lots of closet space, a laundry room, and a massive crawl space that is lit, and it's a tri-level!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it's in our price range! I am so extremely relieved. It won't be available until june but it's worth waiting for!!!! I just want to start packing today!
...............................................

I made the most awesome cream of potato soup last night! Toppings included shredded chedder, chives, and bacon! I was two pounds heavier this morning and I think I can owe it to that meal. Here's the recipe: 4 Large Servings
Cook 4 slices of bacon. Remove and dry. Add butter to drippings. Saute six peeled chopped(red) potatoes, two chopped stalks celery, and half chopped yellow onion until opaque but not browned. Add enough chicken broth to just cover mixture and simmer until potatoes are mashable. Then mash leaving as many or few chunks to suit your liking. Add heavy cream/more broth until consistency is to your liking. Add salt and pepper to taste and simmer for a few more minutes. Chop bacon and chives, and shred chedder cheese for toppings! I served it with salad (with Barry's homemade buttermilk ranch dressing) and homemade jalapeno chedder cornbread muffins. YUM!
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So...Barry no longer likes either Adrian or Giovanni.... :(... I loved those names. He now likes Jonas. I don't know about it. It's cute and all but...I just don't see myself with a son called Jonas.

I feel sick right now. Barry went to get some bubbly water for me...and mac and cheese for the hungry baby. How can I be hungry and sick feeling at the same time? I just ate an hour and a half ago too. This is very demanding work.

Bobby got back to CO safely.

Happy New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!Last night Barry and I went to First Night in Fort Collins!! We went to the Bella Luna Cirque, TriMedia Film Festival Favorites, made S'mores on campires , saw fireworks, and then went home and watched the ball drop on tv. It was fun if not bitter cold...it was around 20*F.

Relaxing Saturday

Today we went shopping for the baby for the first time! We checked out some "gently used" children/maternity stores in Fort Collins: Once Upon A Child and Harmony Kids. They had items and clothing for at least 50% less than new and in great condition. We purchased a baby bed ...it adjusts to an incline or lays flat and rocks or lays stable! Only $20!!! YAY! After about 3 months we'll probably need a crib but this is awesome and portable! Good for camping too! (The cat seems to think this is his new bed. He may very well be sleeping outside.) Barry also picked out these cute yellow jammies and...hehe...some blue soft Pumas! See style bear modeling them! He also chose a Snugli baby carrier-back/frontpack! Only $12! I highly recommend these stores!





Right now I am eating buffalo pot roast that I made yesterday. Yay for the crockpot!


Names we still both like are Giovanni and Adrian! I like both of them but can't seem to figure out what we'd do for nicknames. Barry is still in favor of Marley...and I like Finnigan!


As far as the baby goes...he's been more and more active...even when I'm up and about lately. He's most active at night and when I wake up in the morning. I finally convinced Barry that I can see him move sometimes...I had to video-record my belly for awhile before I could get anything. Now he believes me though!! HA..it's not all in my head! Our next doctor's visit is on the 7th of Jan. Just a routine checkup.


I love all my new Christmas presents! Besides the other stuff I already talked about, I got a shiatsu massage seat for my chair from my Judah! I got some massage neck pillows and comfy maternity sweat suits and clothes. Christie and Ty got us the 3 Kings for the Fontanini nativity set. We got gift cards to go out and eat at Old C's too.


Tomorrow Julie is bringing Ringo over for a doggy play date with Harley! He can't wait! We took him shopping with us today. We were going to take him to the new dog park again but decided against it since he would just get muddy and I had no towels to protect my car. Poor planning on my part but we're excited about tomorrow.


In case you don't know the Giants are playing tonight! Something about a wild card...? Barry's been waiting all week for today though, so he's out enjoying himself. I hope they win.

21 Weeks

Only 133 days to go...which is fine with me. It's going to be so different always having another life around depending on me than my own. I'm enjoying my time to myself while I still have it.

His kicks are getting stronger daily. I can see him move sometimes. Barry still hasn't seen my belly move...he lacks the patience to sit perfectly still for longer than a minute. He's felt him move more though.

Today I had heartburn...I don't think I've EVER experienced that before in my life. No fun!

It's been snowing like crazy all day long. I shoveled 3 times. It's fluffy powdery snow too. There's almost a foot on the ground..layered on top of old snow that wasn't quite melted.

Does anyone want a kitten? I have a lovely talkative gray stripey cat who gets along with other cats, and dogs too. He is very playful. Likes indoor cuddle time and outdoor roaming time. He's neutered and has his first shots. He'll be a year on Feb 14th. He's driving me crazy...but only b/c I have no patience or time to deal with him on top of our other 3 animals. Just wondering....Barry might want to keep him but I'm the cat person and he's the dog person.

Christmas

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We went to my aunt's on xmas eve and got to see family. Yesterday we woke up late and then ate cinnamon rolls and coffee while we opened presents. Then we went to my brother's and his roommate cooked turkey dinner...yummy...and we opened presents. Then Judah came over to my house and helped Barry hook up his new Xbox 360 and our new (present from Santa) dvd/surround sound system. Yay! Then I baked stuffed peppers and rice and had deviled eggs that I prepped day before. The baby was kicking like crazy yesterday. Of course on Christmas he was very sleepy all day, even when I was resting. I've noticed a pattern this past week. He is pretty active one day and then sleepy the next. I guess he'll be sleepy today. And he's more active when I'm at rest and it's quiet. Barry got me an awesome present! He researched prenatal massages and got me a prenatal massage and a postnatal massage!!! And he also got a soothing sounds white noise maker...and a vibrating neck massage pillow. I also got some comfy clothes and gift certificates!!! YAY!!!

Kicking Baby

Last night Barry actually felt the baby move for the 1st time! And this morning I saw my belly move when the baby kicked or headbutted me! It's so cool. It still feels like little bubbles but stronger than before. Julie felt him too when I was hanging out with her today. We painted and shopped and cooked and sat around and ate a lot too. He wakes up when I'm sitting still and it's quiet...I think any noise or motion puts him to sleep..hehee.

I can't believe it's almost Christmas! Merry Eve of Christmas Eve's Eve!!

Today Barry and I went to see a movie with a gift card from last years Christmas party! We saw 'I Am Legend'. It was pretty good. Barry says the book was better though. The baby was kicking like crazy during the movie . (Maybe it was fromt he spicy dinner or maybe it was the loud speakers.) We tried out the restaurant: Wild Buffalo Wings...we think its a novelty place ...too loud to be a local bar/hangout and a little pricey for 'bar' food. It did have a large variety of yummy wing sauces though ranging from mild to garlicky to super hot.

<----Our Christmas Decorations This Year! Our tree has optical lights that change colors!!!

Pictures

A Christmas Duo!

Another Christmas Duo!

And the belly shot....at 5 months!

Halfway There

Today is our halfway mark...twenty weeks!

So our appointment for the Level II ultrasound is scheduled at PVH for January 22nd. That is the earliest they could get us in. I'm really not worried about the baby though. I have a good feeling he is a healthy little guy. I've been researching names now that we've narrowed them down to boy names. So far we both like Adrian...who knows if that will change though.

I had a good day! I went shopping with a friend Molly and got some new shirts and a new purse...on sale of course! Yeah for Old Navy coupons and sales...I got three shirts and a purse all for $8! Then I went to work....picked up some hours for tomorrow also. Julie, my cousin, came over after work and we played Scattergories and drank tea! My life is so thrilling!

I'm so excited about all the things we can start collecting now...I am going to keep my eye out for sales on baby clothes and toys now that we are past the halfway mark. I have lots of stuff so far...thank you to everyone who has donated toys and clothes to me so far. If we stay in this little house then I think I will have to rent a storage unit just so that we can have a baby room...right now it is the storage room/my dressing room/office/toy room (for babysitting)!

Wednesday Is Upon Us

The doctor called back this morning and said that the perinatologist is in Fort Collins on Tuesdays and that she would schedule me an appointment. I have read and shared lots of info and personal accounts with positive outcomes (i.e. cysts just as a normal process of development that disappear on their own) with Barry and he isn't as worried but he still definitely wants to get the second Level II ultrasound done just so he can stop worrying. Now that I've had more time to think about it...I still feel as though nothing is wrong with my baby but also have that annoying nagging open-ended what-if feeling. I think that the ultrasound will help displace that feeling.

I definitely am feeling the baby move a lot more now...it's so exciting! I can't wait till Barry can feel him too. Or even see him...hahaha...or maybe I can since my friend used to get obviously bruised ribs from her son kicking.

I had a dream that I was pregnant and trying to get into the hospital for a check-up but instead ended up taking care of children in protective custody with other caseworkers. I was given a boy who was 50 lbs to feed and was still a baby...he was really heavy. His dad came to pick up the three girls but left without him and it was icy so I couldn't run after him. We called the police on him. Later their mom came to get them again. I have had a couple of dreams (since not getting the job) where I got the caseworker job and went out on cases.

Ultrasound Results

The doctor called this morning and explained that the ultrasound showed Choroid Plexis cysts. The choroid plexis is in the brain and provides cerebral fluid to the spinal cord. Cysts may or may not indicate a genetic disorder: Trisomy 18/Edwards Syndrome. If found in conjunction with other indicators, determined by an intensive ultrasound by a perinatologist, then they could indicate Trisomy 18. The prognosis for Trisomy 18 is extremely negative, resulting in death. There however is only a weak association between the cysts and Trisomy 18. The cysts may dissapear on their own or last through adulthood without complications arising and are just a developmental variation of the norm (one site stated they occured in 1% of ultrasounds). For my age (25) there is a 1 in 4045 chance of having a baby with Trisomy 18 Syndrome and with the CPC's a 1 in 447 chance according to This Site. Also the cysts themselves DO NOT EVER cause any problems.

This sucks! So I don't think that the baby has Trisomy 18 because of what we saw on the ultrasound yesterday and what the symptoms are...for example the heart was healthy with four ventricles and beating strongly, the head measured the right size for the age of the fetus, the legs and arms and hands were active and limber, feet looked normal, and it had normal looking kidneys, his radius (arm bone), round head...everything looked normal and the feeling from the techs you could tell was very positive (that says a lot because even if they aren't allowed to diagnose anything, they know what they are looking at and it is hard for people to hide negative feelings about a baby even if just through their body language). So...of course we're worried and Barry especially wants to do the second ultrasound. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

I don't know about all of you but some of you know that I don't necessarily love doctors. I think that I know myself better than they ever could, I don't trust their knowledge over my own research capabilities. I believe that they are trained and know more about certain things than I do but I certainly don't ever go to the doctor if I'm sick. This is very hard for me to be seeing a doctor once a month, however nice she is, and to be inundated with all sorts of tests and check-ups that many people in the world don't even know about. I can't imagine if I was unhealthy or having a high risk pregnancy. Of course, if I needed a doctors expertise I of course would solicite it since ignorance is not helpful either.
I never went to doctors when I was a kid, I was born at home with help from midwives. Getting a hospital bracelet yesterday was a first for me. I never had any sort of tests done before I was born and I turned out healthy. If this was left up to me, I wouldn't get the second ultrasound but I know Barry really wants it and won't be satisfied until he can hear everything is ok from a doctor.
Of course, who's to say they won't come up with something else to scare us with next...That there is my attitude on doctors when it comes to my own healthcare.

ANYWAYS...I think now that I've seen the baby move and headbutt me I can actually feel it more. At least I think I know what I'm feeling now. He was very active last night and right now too..Maybe this one doesn't sleep. Should I be worried? I can't believe from those pictures that he's only about a 7th of the size he'll be at birth...the huge screen made him look so big!

Baby Boy Biss

The ultrasound went well...it lasted for about an hour and the baby wouldn't stop moving. He was making the technicians laugh. They kept saying 'how cute'! He was doing yoga stances with his feet over his head and kept flipping. His hands wouldn't stop moving and he headbutted me a couple of times! He even yawned. The placenta is between the baby and my belly so that's probably why I can't feel him that strongly. He is definitely a boy, they didn't even have to tell us! He's 10 oz! He has all his parts: a beating heart at 160 bpm, 2 legs with feet and toes, 2 arms with fingers, a nice spine, a little brain, nose, lips, jaw bones with teeth buds, eyes, kidneys, stomach, a bladder! It was amazing seeing him for the first time...its much easier to imagine whats going on now.

OF COURSE I DON'T LOOK BUSY... I DID IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!

Sunday

I just found this website: Earth Mama Angel Baby! I love it. I was researching organic teas and their safety during pregnancy! Very helpful...made me feel less scared about drinking a cup of Throat Coat tea since my throat is killing me and I don't usually take any other kind of drug when I'm sick with a cold. All I've ever done is use herbs and teas...and honey. My mom drank tons of tea when she was pregnant and I turned out just fine...however, everything I read says "Do not use if pregnant or breast-feeding (and sometimes "unless directed by your doctor")." I wish there was FDA testing on herbs b/c at least then some money would go towards testing something useful. I've asked my doctor about herbs and I get the feeling that she considers herbs/most things in moderation are ok.

Ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow!!!! Monday at 2:15. We're sooo stuck with names still....trying to narrow it down..I know we have tons of time but I think it will go by quickly anyways.

Made a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and dark chocolate chips inside! YUMMY!!!
Today I babysat, actually Friday, Saturday, and Today...I babysat! Busy weekend! Got to take kids to a birthday party today...they had a woman come (a business) and the kids got to stuff a bear, dress it, wish on a star that went inside it, and name it!! Very cute!!

So I heard back from the caseworker position...they offered it to someone else. I'm SO disappointed. I really thought I did well and that they liked me. What was nice was that the supervisor called me to give me some feedback on the interview. She said that I was in the final list and for not having any experience that was unheard of. She said that I should get some more experience working in RTC's or as a Case Aid. The interview was scored and I didn't score high enough on crisis intervention experience for such an intense job where I'd have to make extreme decisions on my own. They may hire again within the year so I'll just try again. So now I have to go find a full time job until May.
I think I have the flu today. My joints are all achy and my throat is sore and I feel yucky. I'm trying to eat though...that't the best thing to do with the flu.

So the thing that drives Barry crazy about me is that I am NEVER on time. Even if I try really hard it rarely happens. I think I have a fear of forgetting something, I don't even know. I'm used to it...and living with my family in Jersey...we were all late for events...it was a running joke. Anyways...since Barry hates it so much sometimes he tries to trick me...I'll ask him when we have to leave for his Christmas party, for example, and he'll tell me 6:15 when in fact it is 10 minutes away and we really don't have to leave until 6:45 the earliest. He, the always punctual man until he met me, doesn't mind showing up before everyone else...even if it's a party. I can understand a business meeting or something but really I feel akward being the first to show up at a party when it hasn't really started yet. So yes, we showed up before everyone else to his Christmas party. When its any other event than his work related events, I try not to ask what time he wants to leave. Then when he's ready, he gets flustered that I'm not and that only makes me go slower because I can't think about what I'm doing and when I rush I actually go much slower. AND usually when I say "I'm ready" the car isn't warmed or he remembers something he forgot so then I think I have more time than I really do. It's very hard to live together sometimes.
So this morning I am writing when I should be getting ready, I have work in 1/2 an hour. But I thought I'd take a break, write, and drink my blackberry banana yogurt blueberry/pomegranite juice shake!!!! YUM!!
Tomorrow is our doctor appointment. I hope we can set up the ultrasound for tomorrow instead of another day but the ultrasound office at PVHS closes down at 5:00 so I doubt it.

Happy Birthday Shane and Leanne

Happy Birthday Shane!!!! Happy Birthday Leanne!!!! Love you guys...Here's an updated picture of your niece or nephew! We were going to call you later and you beat us to it today!!! Hope you had (and have Leanne) a good birthday!!!

Pregnancy is going well. My back hurts a lot and at the end of the day the sciatic nerve shoots pain through my hips, back, and legs. Fun. Other than that not much new except that my belly is getting bigger...I feel huge of course. This is the biggest I've ever been in my life even though it may not look impressive to anyone else. Still can't consistently feel the baby move although once in awhile I think I feel. Soon enough I'll have bruised ribs from all the kicking.
So of course getting bigger and trying to fit into clothes that I've been wearing is fun...I've invested in some more maternity jeans. Tonight is Barry's Christmas Party for Vanworks and I have a stretchy red dress that will fit...my cousin is loaning me some fun shoes and jewelery!!! YAY for dressing up!

So...the interview went very well. They checked my references as well. I'm excited and I can't wait to hear from them!! I feel positively hopeful about it.

I subbed in Head Start the past two days!!! Makes me wish student teaching wasn't over and wish for my own classroom. Someday though.

So very interesting article on The Golden Compass...of course I don't take the same viewpoint as the author of the article. I think that it is natural and necessary to question and examine religion from all angles so that you really can make an informed decision...writing and film is just a medium for exploration in this case and people should be open-minded to examine their life decisions instead of blindly following anything. Article

The Fifth Month

The interview went well!! I really liked the the woman who interviewed me. She was very easy going and genuinely interested, she seems invested in her work and someone that I can relate to easily. She would be my boss if I get the position. She called me back that night for a second interview...it will be a panel interview and is this coming Tuesday. I'm nervous and excited!!! I need to find something professional to wear...and to think of some good things to say without rambling...I tend to ramble sometimes.

I have been recording what I've eaten for the entire past week and also tallied it into the recommended number of food groups suggested for the average BMI (body mass index) score. I am definitely on a fruit kick these days. And so far I've eaten yogurt every single day, which isn't abnormal in my diet. I also make sure to buy the real whole grain bread that doesn't use high fructose corn syrup...the only stuff I've found at the supermarket is the Sara Lee whole grain stuff (the way you can tell is by reading whole wheat/or other grain as the first ingredient...if it says enriched or fortified or white...it is not whole grain even if it is listed at the end of that list of ingredients)...good enough for me...they use brown sugar to sweeten instead. I also tend to eat at least 6-8 times throughout the day...with at least two bigger meals at lunch and dinner usually. I love eating healthy food and I'm definitely using pregnancy as a time to splurge energy and time on making delicious nutrious meals/snacks. For example...every day this week I've awoken and prepared a yogurt/juice/fruit shake...so good. Why I haven't done this every day of my life, I'm beginning to wonder. Of course I sneak tons of chocolate, an occasional cup of joe, and the necessary bowl of ice cream with crushed up oreas in there so don't go thinking I'm perfect or anything.

Beginning of each new month inclines me to read the next chapters in my 3-4 books conveniently categorized by month. Month five marks the change from baby's cartilage skeleton to bone, the baby will be 1/2 it's newborn weight by the end, and people in the street will no longer gawk at me wondering if I'm maybe pregnant or just sporting a beer gut. Hooray! Oh...and my changing center of balance may be characterized by falls. This is true...I know from experience...at work in the infant classroom, I was talking and cleaning up a child from lunch and went to sit on the stool which was quite visibly a foot to my left, forgetting I was sitting on a seat a foot lower than the stool...and fell onto the seat, which slipped leaving everyone in the room staring surprised (the infants...perhaps a little scared) as I bounced onto the hard linoleum floor. I was so surprised I couldn't help but laugh but by their expressions of disbelief the poor kids were not convinced until I got up and informed them I really was ok. I can't wait till I can no longer see my feet...I'm already the clumsiest person I know..I'm going to need lots of luck staying upright especially considering our leaky gutters leave ice patches immediately outside our front and back doors, or that my 3 cats and one dog consider their mission to always be about six inches in front of me at all times I am in motion and about a foot behind me while I am at rest on my feet. Maybe I should just consider self-diagnosed bed rest after the feet disappear from view.

I just made a yogurt shake with mango...mangos are hairy...unless the cat snuck a hairball in the blender.
I have an interview today!!!! I'm a little nervous because I want this job so much. It's for a caseworker position in Child Protective Services. It's part-time weekends but it starts at $18/hour so it would be perfect for when the baby comes!!!!! I could still substitute until then as well.

So overall I'm feeling great these days except for my poor back...that baby is sitting on my sciatic nerve...and it doesn't help when I've been working and lugging around kiddos all day. I've still only gained about five pounds but i'm sure that will happen eventually. Tomorrow is 17 weeks. Only 2 more weeks till we find out if it's a baby girl or a baby boy. According to the slower hair growth on my legs its a girl...but since my figure is still in tact it's a boy. Barry thinks the Chinese Conception Calender is most accurate: Age: 25 + Conception Month: August = BOY.
Anyways...must go get ready for work and my interview!!!

Christmas Wish List Update

BARRY
6. Biker Boots Website Link: Click Here

1. $8000
2. Tattoo Gun
3. New Fenders for the Harley
4. Running Boards for the Harley
5. Helmet


NESHAMAH
6. Very interested in Cuisinart Food Processor (11-14 Cup)-will also use to make baby food
7. Burt's Bees Line
8. Bath and Body Works Lavender Pillow Mist and Midnight Path Body Butter

1. massages
2. theatre tickets: Nonesuch Theater, Lincoln Center, Bas Bleu Theater, Carousel Dinner Theater, etc...
3. gym membership
4. yoga class membership
5. money

BOBBY
2. Walmart Gift Cards would be of great use

1. FOOD

A Day Off....

I have an online photo album through Snapfish...I also have dial up internet access...so it is impossible to upload through the uploader they use...I have to instead email my photos 5-10 at a time depending on the size to the snapfish website. Then I have to organize them into albums, etc from there. I am currently in the middle of the biggest project right now...uploading the wedding photos...it takes about an hour and a half for each email to go through...I have about 50 emails auto scheduled to send...how many days will I have to wait? I don't even want to know.

I was so excited that my super low waist jeans still fit so perfectly...even though they had a hole in the knee...BUT yesterday I wore them and my hips must be spreading wider bc they are tight now. I am keeping my eye out for sales at old navy maternity...I currently have one pair of maternity jeans that are actually too loose but they work just fine as long as I pull them up every 10 minutes...I guess my butt is supposed to grow too...in fact I think it shrunk and relocated to my chest.

So no work today...I am currently subbing for the UCC childcare center and for the district but only in Head Start PS classrooms and at the Lab School. I truly don't have the energy to go to a new classroom daily...especially alone with 20+ kids. At least in the Preschool classrooms there are paras and others who are regularly with the kids and I know all/most the teachers/kids at the Lab School.

Today I will finish laundry, sweep because with three cats and a dog I might as well sweep 5 times a day, do the dishes Barry said he'd do yesterday, maybe babysit, make chicken soup, vacuum, dust, finish my picture uploading project, and maybe try to christmas shop a little...I only shop online and have for the last three years at least...I hate shopping and part of it is that I can never make up my mind so it takes me ten times as long as it would shopping for myself and even that's a process.

I love the sun...as I sit here in my computer room...the sun shines through the curtainless window-someday I'll be a real adult and get matching curtains in my house, maybe when it's truly MY house-and onto my back and it's really a nice way to spend the morning when the rest of the house is so shady. Maybe I'll even get a nice winter tan.

Thanksgiving

So yes...the snow came. Now it is bitter cold outside. At least the roads are all clear and dry.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! We did!!! We went to my aunt and uncle's in Longmont with our cousins and brothers. Barry's stuffed mushrooms were a big hit as were my overly sweet 13 layer bars.

Now I'm watching Madison...who I've babysat since she was a few months old...now she's four. She says..."wouldn't it be really cool if your baby grew really fast and was four like me?"

Had Thanksgiving dinner/lunch at work today...all the parents brought a dish and so did the teachers. I went to work to help set up/clean up...YUM is all I have to say!!! I'm so excited for Thanksgiving dinner now!!! I'm going to make 7 layer bars and Barry is making stuffed mushrooms. Today I think I'll make some banana bread and freeze it for the coming months. I love baking! It's supposed to snow today and it feels like it too. I'm not quite ready for snow yet.

WEEKEND

click here----------->New Registry at Walmart <------click here

I found some furniture I like at Walmart...as well as a few other things...strollers, carseat, cloth diapers (yes I'm using cloth diapers or at least trying them)......If anyone has any info on whether 3 in 1 carseats or 3 in 1 crib/beds are better/worse than the one purpose kind...let me know...I have no idea...I think I'll be saving money if I get the infant to toddler carseat (I also don't like lugging around an infant carseat), and the crib to daybed to full size bed instead of just a regular crib or other kind of baby bed. Also any info on cloth diapers or diaper services in Fort Collins area would be useful.

I have also updated my Target registry...there may be duplicates between the sites but who can't use lots of onesies and blankies.

Anyways...lazy weekend...hung out with Molly and we ordered Chinese food and watched Mr. Brooks last night. Went to the new park in Fort Collins today...huge dogpark...Harley really had no idea what to do with himself....too many dogs, too short attention span.

Waiting to feel the baby kick these days...may happen as early as now: 15 weeks or not until 22 weeks-ish. I may have felt it and not even recognized it...who knows.

GROWING A BABY: MUST CONCENTRATE














IT WORKED!

New Pictures

15 weeks today. Went to the doctor...heart beat is at 150 bpm now. Next month we'll get an ultrasound at PVH. We'll hopefully get to see if it's a boy or girl then. The doctor will check the heart, brain, and spinal cord to make sure everything is developing normally...thats the main reason for it. So..if I didn't have the pregnancy program insurance then it would be $75/visit. I'm so lucky to be in CO...we take really good care of people without insurance who get pregnant.

I went shopping for more clothes...Yay for Ross...I finally had to get some shirts since the ones I have don't go over the maternity pants elastic band and that looks tacky. I wonder how long they'll work for though...I remember someone I knew getting so pregnant even the pregnant shirts wouldn't cover the belly with arms up. Barry doesn't think I'll get as big as I do...we measured to see how big we thought I'd get.

Oh yeah...here's my new haircut also: What do you think?

AHHH...oatmeal bath....
So I got my hair cut again. I don't know if I like the look yet...it's so short. I do love how easy it is to do though!!!!

Sunday

Thank You Christine for the NY onesie!!!! It's soooo cute!!

And Thank You Aunt Doreen for the list book...I am a list person...and I've finally had a chance to start filling it out. :) YAY!!

So the rash is looking more horrible than ever...I wish it would just go away...I already don't feel entirely like myself...and now I don't look it either.

Today I babysat...this morning I got to take a 2 year old to gymnastics at the Mountain Kids Center! That was pretty fun...I grabbed a brochure for when the time comes. First she came to my house and met my animals (cats: Jerry, Mosi, and Turtle & Dog: Harley)...then she colored...a favorite pastime since I get out a bucket of pens, markers, and pencils...and hand it over to the kids hoping that they won't draw with permanent marker on the floor or on their face..she drew circles and stayed on the paper! She also played with a large bucket of toys that I have for such events....she found little animals that expanded from those pills...and fell in love with them...I let her keep them! She kept asking: what is this one? will it stand up? And she can say my name better than some five year olds I know!!!
Then tonight I watched a little boy...10 months...who is still taking his first tentative steps...we played hide-and-seek!!! I crawled around a corner or two and he followed till he found me! Very cute! We read lots of stories too. Kids amaze me daily!

Anyways....I finally had a dream that I had a girl...but she wasn't an infant and I wasn't as attached...I think that she was about a year old. When I dreamed of boys..they were infants. Now I'm confused!

My memory still hasn't come back to me...if anything it's getting worse...
So is this aggravating rash...My theory that scratching it off of me would work is probably counterproductive I've now realized! It's on my face...so obvious my brother in law took a step back and exclaimed his amazement when he saw me this morning. Oh well I guess...It can't last forever...I'll just try to explain to strangers that I'm not a leper...only pregnant and rashy. Blah.
My horoscope said that my life is going through big changes, perhaps related to family....and that I should focus on the positive. I love how pertainable those things are to any circumstance or person. Anyways...I should get some rest since I'm on call to babysit tonight for my friend if she gets called out to work since she's an on call social worker.

Oh Yeah! I'm applying for a social caseworker position that is part time, weekends, 20 hrs/week, on-call...starting $18/hour. I really hope I get it so wish me luck! My temporary toddler teacher position ends this wednesday since Andrea is back in toddlers from maternity leave! :-) and :-( !

Going to Longmont tomorrow...for sunday family dinner...Christie's gonna cut my shaggy hair!!! ok..seriously...g'nite!

Xmas List

So I've decided upon my xmas list...I usually can't think of anything I want...but this year I've actually decided....of course...no one is ever really expected to get me anything...I'm usually horrible at giving gifts anyway so I don't really expect any (except from Barry..because he likes to and I'll always get him socks if nothing else)

1. massages
2. theatre tickets: Nonesuch Theater, Lincoln Center, Bas Bleu Theater, Carousel Dinner Theater, etc...
3. gym membership
4. yoga class membership
5. money

Barry's List looks like this:
1. $8000
2. Tattoo Gun
3. New Fenders for the Harley
4. Running Boards for the Harley
5. Helmet

I've asked him for specific brands and types on all b/c I have no idea....I will update if he ever fills me in.

My parents got us some Melissa and Doug blocks, some Melissa and Doug wooden instruments, and Raffi's Baby Beluga CD!!! Thank YOU!!! I am so excited. I just wish we had a place to start setting up a baby room...

Dreams & Belly Dancing

I had some weird dreams last night...first that I had a baby but when I couldn't remember the labor...which makes sense b/c I don't really know what it will be like...Someone explained that Bobby shot out a window on the second floor so we could get into our house...I dont' know what that had to do with it. Also that I couldn't find my baby to nurse it and when I did someone was giving it a bottle already...also the baby was so big that my arm was falling asleep holding it. WEIRD. It was a boy again...that's the third dream I've had and they've all been boys.

I'm spending the weekend in Estes Park...to hang out with my bff and her kiddo.

Bobby will officially be all moved out tomorrow...most of his stuff is set up over there already but he's just hanging out tonight with his buddies down the street tonight.

Took a belly dancing class tonight! I enjoyed it...I think I'd like to keep it up...every friday.

Oh...I'm losing my mind...I locked my keys in the car a couple days ago. I had just been talking about it also and then I did it. We were walking back to the car and I said 'where are my keys?...bobby answered...'you left them on the front seat"...I said "didn't i just say that I was afraid of doing that' ...he thought i knew and just didn't lock the door this time...who knows.....lol. Luckily I could squeeze my arm in the partially opened window to unlock the door...b/c we were in Loveland and Barry was at darts...not that I even remember where my spare keys are. I can't remember anything at work..at home...anything...

Doc Visit

Went to the doc today...got a crazy rash all over my chest, back, spreading to my stomach and neck and face. YAY! So he said it was a virus and I just had to wait for it to go away...as far as he knew...no test for it. Could most likely be pityriasis rosea. I'll have to research that one. He also said I was big for the due date...haha...he looked for twin heartbeats. Only found 1 though. Heartbeat is at 160 bpm now.

Here's what the research said...
Definition
Pityriasis rosea is a common type of skin rash seen in young adults.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Pityriasis rosea occurs most commonly in the fall and spring. It is believed to be caused by a virus. Although pityriasis rosea may occur in more than one person in a household at a time, it is not thought to be highly contagious.
Attacks generally last 4 - 8 weeks. Symptoms may disappear by 3 weeks or last as long as 12 weeks. There is generally a single large patch (herald patch) followed several days later by a rash.

Symptoms
Skin lesion or rash
Starts with a single (herald) lesion
Followed several days later by more lesions
May follow cleavage lines or appear in a "Christmas tree" pattern
Oval plaque, papule, or macule
Sharp border
May spread
Centers have wrinkled (cigarette paper) appearance
The lesions appears like a scale that is attached at the edges and loose at the center
Itching of the lesions (mild to severe)
Skin redness or inflammation

Signs and tests
Your health care provider can usually diagnose pityriasis rosea by the way the rash looks. A blood test may be needed to rule out a form of syphilis, which can cause a similar rash. Occasionally, a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment
If symptoms are mild, no treatment may be needed.
Gentle bathing, mild lubricants or creams, or mild hydrocortisone creams may be used to soothe inflammation. Antihistamines, taken by mouth, may be used to reduce itching.
Moderate sun exposure or ultraviolet light treatment may help make the lesions go away more quickly. However, care must be taken to avoid sunburn.

Expectations (prognosis)
Pityriasis rosea usually goes away within 6 - 12 weeks. Recurrences are unusual.

Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder.

Reviewer Info: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 10/16/2006

OH...my best friend from MD is coming out to visit!!! I'm so excited!